Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. An automated process performed by a video encoder device to provide a placeshifted video stream to a media player via a network, the process comprising: in response to an instruction from the media player via the network to encode the media program, the video encoder device initiating a live encoding stream of the media program and also pre-encoding only selected portions of the media program to a placeshifting format, wherein at least some of the selected pre-encoded portions of the media program comprise sections of the program immediately following upcoming commercial advertisement breaks in the media program; in response to the video encoder device receiving the instruction from the media player to encode the media program, the video encoder device initially providing each of the selected pre-encoded portions of the media program to the media player for storage by the media player to thereby allow the media player to respond to a subsequently-received trick play instruction from a viewer of the media program by immediately rendering of the pre-encoded portion of the media program immediately following the commercial advertisement breaks in the media program from one of the pre-encoded portions previously stored by the media player; and responding to the trick play instruction by adapting the point of live encoding according to then-current network conditions to thereby provide the placeshifted video stream to the media player.
This invention relates to video encoding for placeshifting, where a media program is streamed from a primary device to a remote player over a network. The problem addressed is the delay in responding to viewer trick play commands (e.g., fast-forward, rewind) during live streaming, particularly around commercial breaks, due to real-time encoding limitations. The system uses a video encoder device that performs dual encoding: a live stream for real-time playback and pre-encoding of selected portions of the media program in a placeshifting format. The pre-encoded portions include segments immediately following upcoming commercial breaks. When the media player requests encoding, the encoder first sends these pre-encoded segments to the player for storage. This allows the player to instantly render the pre-encoded content in response to trick play commands, eliminating delays during transitions from commercials. The encoder also dynamically adjusts the live encoding point based on network conditions to maintain smooth streaming. The approach ensures seamless playback and quick trick play responses while optimizing network usage.
2. The process of claim 1 wherein each of the selected pre-encoded portions encode only the first few seconds of the media program immediately following the commercial advertisements in the media program.
This invention relates to a method for processing media programs containing commercial advertisements. The problem addressed is the inefficient handling of media content, particularly the transition points between commercials and program segments, which can lead to poor user experience or wasted bandwidth. The solution involves selecting and pre-encoding specific portions of the media program to optimize playback or transmission. The method involves identifying commercial advertisements within a media program and then selecting pre-encoded portions of the media program that correspond to the first few seconds immediately following each commercial break. These pre-encoded segments are stored or transmitted separately from the rest of the media content. By focusing on the initial seconds after commercials, the system ensures that critical content is readily available, reducing buffering delays or interruptions during playback. The pre-encoded portions may be encoded at a higher quality or with different parameters than the rest of the media to enhance user experience. This approach is particularly useful in streaming applications where seamless playback is essential. By pre-encoding only the most critical segments, the system balances efficiency and quality, avoiding unnecessary processing of less important content. The method can be applied to various media formats, including video and audio streams, and may be integrated into content delivery networks or media servers. The invention improves both the performance of media delivery systems and the overall viewing experience for users.
3. The process of claim 1 wherein the selected pre-encoded portions additionally comprise the first few seconds of the media program following a stop point from previous viewing of the media program.
A system and method for efficiently encoding and transmitting media content involves selecting and pre-encoding specific portions of a media program to reduce latency during playback. The selected portions include segments that are frequently accessed, such as the beginning of the program, key scenes, or segments following a stop point from previous viewing sessions. By pre-encoding these portions at a higher quality or with optimized encoding parameters, the system ensures faster delivery and smoother playback when requested by a user. This approach minimizes buffering and improves the user experience, particularly in streaming applications where network conditions may vary. The method dynamically adjusts the selection of pre-encoded portions based on user behavior and viewing patterns, ensuring that the most relevant segments are prioritized for encoding. The system may also incorporate metadata analysis to identify high-demand segments, further optimizing the encoding process. The inclusion of the first few seconds following a stop point from previous viewing allows users to seamlessly resume playback without delays, enhancing continuity and engagement. This technique is particularly useful in on-demand streaming services where user interactions with media content are unpredictable.
4. The process of claim 1 wherein the selected pre-encoded portions are encoded in a low bandwidth format in comparison to the remaining portions of the media stream.
This invention relates to media streaming and encoding, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently transmitting high-quality media while minimizing bandwidth usage. The process involves selecting specific portions of a media stream for pre-encoding in a low-bandwidth format, while the remaining portions are encoded in a standard or higher-bandwidth format. The low-bandwidth portions are chosen based on their importance or relevance to the overall media content, ensuring critical sections are preserved with minimal data loss. This selective encoding reduces overall bandwidth consumption without significantly degrading the viewer experience. The remaining portions, which may include less critical or less noticeable segments, are encoded in a higher-quality format to maintain overall media fidelity. The process dynamically adjusts encoding parameters to optimize bandwidth usage while preserving key content. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where bandwidth is limited, such as mobile streaming or low-latency applications, where reducing data transmission is crucial without compromising essential content quality. The invention improves efficiency in media delivery systems by intelligently balancing bandwidth usage and content quality.
5. The process of claim 1 wherein each of the selected pre-encoded portions corresponds to a likely start point for playback of the media program.
A system and method for optimizing media playback involves selecting and pre-encoding specific portions of a media program to enable efficient playback from multiple starting points. The process identifies segments of the media program that are likely to be used as start points for playback, such as key scenes, chapters, or user-requested segments. These selected portions are then pre-encoded to reduce latency and improve streaming performance when playback begins from these points. The pre-encoded portions are stored in a manner that allows quick access and seamless playback, enhancing the user experience by minimizing buffering and delays. This approach is particularly useful in adaptive streaming systems where users may frequently jump to different parts of a media program, ensuring smooth and efficient playback from any of the pre-encoded start points. The method may also include dynamically adjusting the selection of pre-encoded portions based on user behavior or content analysis to further optimize performance.
6. A media encoder device comprising: a television receiver interface configured to receive broadcasts of television programming; a network interface to a digital network; a digital storage configured to record and store at least some of the television programming received via the television receiver interface in a storage format; and a processor configured: in response to an instruction from the media player via the network to encode the media program for placeshifting, to initiate a live encoding stream of the media program and also to select and automatically pre-encode only a plurality of portions of at least some of the television programming stored on the digital storage in a placeshifting format that is different from the storage format, wherein at least some of the plurality of pre-encoded portions comprise sections of the television programming immediately following commercial breaks in the television programming; providing each of the selected pre-encoded portions of the media program to the media player for storage by the media player to thereby allow the media player to respond to a subsequently-received trick play instruction from a viewer of the media program with immediate playback of the pre-encoded portions immediately following the commercial breaks in the television programming from one of the pre-encoded portions previously stored by the media player; and to respond to the trick play instruction by adapting the point of live encoding according to then-current conditions of the digital network to thereby provide the placeshifted video stream to the remotely-located media player via the digital network.
A media encoder device is designed to enhance placeshifting capabilities for television programming, addressing latency issues during trick play functions like fast-forwarding or rewinding. The device includes a television receiver interface to capture broadcast TV signals, a network interface for digital network connectivity, and digital storage to record and store programming in a storage format. A processor manages encoding tasks, including live streaming of media for placeshifting and selective pre-encoding of stored content. Specifically, the processor pre-encodes portions of recorded TV programming in a placeshifting format, distinct from the storage format, focusing on segments immediately following commercial breaks. These pre-encoded portions are sent to a media player for storage, enabling immediate playback during trick play commands, eliminating buffering delays. The processor also adjusts live encoding dynamically based on network conditions to optimize stream delivery. This approach ensures seamless playback of pre-encoded segments while adapting to real-time network performance, improving user experience during remote viewing.
7. The media encoder device of claim 6 wherein the selected pre-encoded portions additionally comprise the first few seconds of the television programming.
This invention relates to media encoding systems, specifically for optimizing the encoding of television programming. The problem addressed is the inefficiency in encoding live or pre-recorded television content, particularly when portions of the content are already pre-encoded or require special handling. The system includes a media encoder device that identifies and selects pre-encoded portions of the television programming for inclusion in the final encoded output. These pre-encoded portions may include segments such as advertisements, promotional content, or other pre-produced material that have already been encoded separately. Additionally, the selected pre-encoded portions include the first few seconds of the television programming, ensuring smooth playback from the beginning. The encoder device processes the remaining portions of the programming that are not pre-encoded, applying appropriate encoding techniques to these segments. The system dynamically integrates the pre-encoded and newly encoded portions to produce a seamless final output. This approach reduces computational overhead by reusing pre-encoded material and ensures consistent quality across the entire broadcast. The invention is particularly useful in live television broadcasting, where real-time encoding efficiency is critical.
8. The media encoder device of claim 6 wherein the selected pre-encoded portions further comprise the first few seconds of the television programming following a stop point from previous viewing of the television programming.
This invention relates to media encoding for television programming, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently encoding and storing content to optimize playback continuity. The system involves a media encoder device that selectively encodes portions of television programming to reduce storage requirements while maintaining seamless viewing experiences. The device identifies and encodes pre-encoded portions of the content, including the first few seconds following a stop point from previous viewing sessions. This ensures that when playback resumes, the encoded segments align with the viewer's last watched position, avoiding unnecessary re-encoding of already viewed content. The encoder dynamically adjusts encoding parameters based on content characteristics, such as scene complexity or motion levels, to balance quality and storage efficiency. The system also prioritizes encoding of segments likely to be accessed frequently, such as the beginning of episodes or popular scenes, to enhance user experience. By selectively encoding only relevant portions, the device minimizes processing overhead and storage demands while preserving playback continuity. This approach is particularly useful for on-demand streaming services or DVR systems where storage optimization is critical.
9. The media encoder device of claim 6 wherein the selected pre-encoded portions are encoded in a low bandwidth format in comparison to the remaining portions of the media stream.
This invention relates to media encoding, specifically optimizing bandwidth usage by selectively encoding portions of a media stream in a low-bandwidth format. The problem addressed is the inefficient use of bandwidth when encoding entire media streams at high quality, which is unnecessary for portions that may not require high fidelity. The solution involves a media encoder device that identifies and selects specific pre-encoded portions of a media stream for encoding in a low-bandwidth format, while the remaining portions are encoded in a higher-bandwidth format. The device includes a processor configured to analyze the media stream to determine which portions can be encoded at lower quality without significantly impacting the overall viewing experience. The selected portions are then encoded using a compression technique that reduces bandwidth requirements, such as lower resolution, reduced frame rate, or simplified encoding profiles. The remaining portions are encoded using standard or high-quality encoding methods. This selective encoding approach ensures that bandwidth is conserved where possible while maintaining high quality for critical portions of the media stream. The invention is particularly useful in applications where bandwidth is limited, such as streaming services or remote monitoring systems.
10. The media encoder device of claim 6 wherein all of the selected pre-encoded portions of the television programming are immediately provided to the media player device in response to the media encoder device subsequently receiving the instruction from the remote media player to encode the media program.
This invention relates to a media encoder device that selectively encodes television programming for efficient transmission to a media player device. The problem addressed is the inefficient use of bandwidth and processing resources when encoding entire media programs, especially when only portions of the program are needed for playback. The media encoder device includes a storage system that stores pre-encoded portions of television programming, such as commercials, segments, or other frequently accessed content. When the media player device requests encoding of a media program, the encoder device identifies and retrieves the pre-encoded portions from storage. These pre-encoded portions are then immediately provided to the media player device, reducing the need for real-time encoding and conserving computational resources. The remaining portions of the media program that are not pre-encoded are encoded on-demand by the media encoder device. This selective encoding approach optimizes bandwidth usage and improves playback efficiency by minimizing redundant encoding operations. The system ensures seamless integration between pre-encoded and newly encoded content, maintaining a continuous playback experience for the user.
11. An automated process performed by a video encoder device to provide a placeshifted video stream to a media player via a network, the process comprising: in response to an instruction from the media player via the network to encode the media program, initiating a live encoding stream of the media program and, after initiating the live encoding stream, also selecting a plurality of certain portions of the media program and pre-encoding only the selected portions of the media program to a placeshifting format, wherein at least some of the selected pre-encoded portions of the media program comprise sections of the program immediately following the commercial advertisement breaks in the media program; when the pre-encoding of the selected portions is complete, providing each of the selected pre-encoded portions of the media program to the media player for a priori storage by the media player to thereby allow the media player to respond to a subsequently-received trick play instruction from a viewer of the media program with immediate playback of the pre-encoded portions immediately following one of the commercial breaks in the media program from the pre-encoded portions previously stored by the media player; and responding to the trick play instruction by adapting the point of live encoding according to then-current network conditions to thereby provide the placeshifted video stream of the media program to the media player.
This invention relates to video encoding for placeshifting, where a media program is streamed from a source device to a remote media player over a network. The problem addressed is the delay in responding to trick play commands (e.g., fast-forward, rewind) during live streaming, particularly after commercial breaks, due to the time required to encode and transmit the requested content. The solution involves an automated process performed by a video encoder device. Upon receiving an instruction from the media player to encode a media program, the encoder initiates a live encoding stream of the program. Additionally, it selects specific portions of the program for pre-encoding, particularly sections immediately following commercial breaks. These pre-encoded portions are sent to the media player for storage. When a viewer issues a trick play command, the media player can immediately play back the pre-encoded portions, eliminating delays. The encoder also adjusts the live encoding point based on current network conditions to ensure smooth streaming. This approach ensures fast response to trick play commands while maintaining efficient use of network resources.
12. The automated process of claim 11 wherein at least some of the selected pre-encoded portions encode only the first few seconds of the media program immediately following the commercial advertisements in the media program.
This invention relates to automated processes for handling media programs, specifically focusing on the efficient encoding and playback of content segments following commercial advertisements. The technology addresses the challenge of optimizing media delivery by selectively encoding only the initial few seconds of content immediately after commercial breaks, rather than encoding the entire program. This approach reduces processing and storage requirements while ensuring viewers can quickly resume watching the program after advertisements. The system identifies commercial segments within a media program, then encodes only the first few seconds of the program content that follows these commercials. This selective encoding allows for faster playback initiation and minimizes unnecessary data processing. The method leverages pre-encoded portions of the media program to streamline the playback experience, particularly in scenarios where viewers may skip or fast-forward through advertisements. By focusing on the immediate post-commercial content, the system enhances efficiency without compromising the viewing experience. The invention is particularly useful in streaming and on-demand media services where bandwidth and storage optimization are critical.
Unknown
November 3, 2020
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